Assessor Training

Appropriate Driving Qualifications and Experience
Participants should hold a D1 driving licence* and have recent experience driving a minibus or other large vehicle.

You must be able to demonstrate that you can meet the MiDAS driving standard. This can be done through holding a current MiDAS Standard certificate. If you don't hold a current certificate, you may be asked to undertake a MiDAS driving assessment as part of the course.

*If you have a category B licence, it may be possible to complete a Driver Assessor course; however, a number of restrictions apply. Please contact training@ctauk.org to discuss whether you meet the relevant requirements.

Commitment to Passenger Safety and Inclusive Transport
MiDAS Driver Assessor candidates should be committed to promoting safe, accessible and inclusive transport for all passengers. This includes supporting the MiDAS approach to minibus safety and demonstrating a strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles when working with drivers, passengers and organisations.

Knowledge of Minibus Operation and Legislation
A Driver Assessor must have a good understanding of the legal and operational requirements associated with minibus driving. This includes familiarity with relevant road traffic legislation, health and safety responsibilities, and the Highway Code. Assessors should be able to apply this knowledge when evaluating driver competence and discussing safe driving practices.

Assessment and Feedback Skills
The Driver Assessor role requires the ability to assess competence against agreed criteria and identify both safe and unsafe practices. Candidates should be confident in providing accurate, constructive feedback and capable of demonstrating good practice to support driver development and maintain assessment standards.

Day 1 (Classroom based)

• MiDAS Structure
• Individual Practical Session for MiDAS Drivers
• Licence Checks
• MiDAS Driving Assessment
• MiDAS Pass/Fail Criteria (Measuring “Safe, Legal & Comfortable”)
• Common Minibus Driving Faults

Day 2  (Vehicle based)

• Driving Fault Identification & Analysis
• Constructive Driving Feedback
• Appraisal of Assessment Skills

You will be required to complete the MiDAS Standard Driver online course in advance of attending if you have not already done so.

You will be assessed on your appraisal skills, including your ability to use effective feedback techniques and demonstrate accurate assessment scoring.

You will also need to pass a multiple choice theory assessment with a mark of at least 80%.

Upon successfully completing the course, you will be issued with a certificate which is valid for 2 years. This can be renewed by attending a 1 day refresher course.

Commitment to Passenger Safety and Inclusive Transport
PATS Assessor candidates should be committed to promoting safe, accessible and inclusive transport for all passengers. This includes supporting the MiDAS approach to safety and demonstrating a strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles when working with drivers, passenger assistants, passengers and organisations.

Existing PATS certificate or equivalent experience
The PATS Assessor course does not cover the role and responsibilities of passenger assistants in detail. You must have previously completed a PATS for Passenger Assistant course or have relevant experience working as, or supporting, passenger assistants.

Experience in Training or Supporting Learners
The course is designed for participants who already have some experience delivering or supporting training. The content assumes a basic understanding of training principles and the confidence to lead facilitated discussions. A key part of the Assessor role involves guiding group discussions based on real-life scenarios commonly experienced by Passenger Assistants.

Day 1  (Classroom based)

• PATS Structure
• Administering PATS
• PATS Facilitation Framework
• Applying the Framework
• Completing the Professional Development Plan
• Completing the Passenger Assistant Workshop Report

You will be required to complete the PATS online course in advance if you have not already done so.

You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate effective facilitation techniques and accurate assessment scoring.

You will also need to pass a multiple choice theory assessment with a mark of at least 80%.

Upon successfully completing the course, you will be issued with a certificate which is valid for 2 years. This can be renewed by attending a 1 day refresher course.

Experience assisting disabled passengers
You must have experience using specialist accessible equipment such as Passenger Lifts and Wheelchair Tie-Down and Occupant Restraint Systems (WTORS).

You must be able to demonstrate that you can meet the MiDAS Accessible standard. This can be evidenced through holding a current MiDAS or PATS Accessible certificate. If you do not hold a current certificate, you may be asked to undertake a Practical Skills Assessment as part of the course to demonstrate your competence in the safe use of accessible equipment and the support of disabled passengers.

1 day add on to the MiDAS Driver Assessor or PATS Assessor course (Vehicle/Classroom Based)

• Passenger awareness and assistance
• Using passenger lifts and ramps
• Assisting passengers who travel in their wheelchairs
• MiDAS Accessible Assessments

You will be required to complete the PATS or MiDAS Accessible Driver online course in advance if you have not already done so.

You will be assessed on your ability to accurately assess a driver or passenger assistant using wheelchair tie down and occupant restraint systems.

Upon successfully completing the course, your MiDAS Driver Assessor/PATS Assessor certificate will be upgraded to show that you are authorised to deliver the MiDAS and PATS Accessible modules.